8 Actionable Steps to Grow Your Blog

For me starting a blog was really exciting! Writing about things that interest me, creating a website, taking lots of pictures, and all the other things that go into blogging made me extremely motivated. I couldn’t wait for it to take off! Sounds fun, right? Learn how to start your blog here!

I spent countless hours fretting over what name to choose, the branding I wanted, and building the actual website. (Which I’m currently re-doing) I did a lot of research on how to put it all together, set up my domain, installed WordPress, and got to work. Even more hours creating content, graphics, and tweaking and re-tweaking my posts to have good SEO in the hopes of my blog gaining a following. Not to mention the time invested into research and learning about email lists, digital products, making money blogging, and oh so much more!

I soon realized how HARD blogging can actually be and how much work it takes to really get your blog to take off and gain traction. It can become easily overwhelming when you’re trying to keep track of ALL THE THINGS.

The learning curve at the beginning can be steep. Depending on what kind of web knowledge you already have. For me, I’ve had a lot of years of blogging (a non serious blogging type blog) and running a photography business so I already knew quite a bit. BUT… the trends, algorithms, and interwebs are always changing! Which can be overwhelming, but I think it’s one of the best encouragers of being a lifelong learner.

You see… there are different reasons why people take up blogging. Some people start them as a business. Others use them as a place to share their life journey. My goal behind For the Joy is to inspire others to create their own businesses and cheer them on as well as to make money, because bills… am I right? Plus, I’m a creative person at heart. Being immersed into the world of creative businesses brings me so much joy. Blogging as a career is definitely a goal of mine!

Which is exactly why today I’m going to share with you 8 actionable ways to grow your blog. Trust me, you’ll want to use these tips right away. The best part is… YOU CAN IMPLEMENT THESE TODAY!

1. Join Facebook Groups

If you have not caught on to the trend that is Facebook Groups, you’re missing out. Facebook groups are a MUST for growing your blog. If you’re constantly wondering where like minded people and potential clients are hanging out, it’s for sure Facebook groups. Why? Well, unlike pages, with groups you get notified when somebody posts. Meaning that you get a notification on your Facebook which makes you more likely to check it out. Also, so many creatives in one place collaborating… it’s a no brainer!

Tip: watch out for those groups that are solely like for like and what not. While they serve a purpose, they aren’t going to get you the following you’re looking for.

Here are some great groups to join:

2. Get Involved with Pinterest Group Boards

Have you heard of group boards and all they can do for you yet? Well, trust me… it’s a must. When you join group boards you can pin your blog posts to them and others then see them. Many times this results in repins and higher traffic. You can pin and repin your content to large group boards for more traffic.

3. Provide Valuable Content

If you’re not providing valuable content you may as well say goodbye to your traffic. Harsh, but true. When you create great and useful content people are going to dig into your site further and further. They are going to fall in love with you and want everything that you create. Then they will start spreading your name! They will do your marketing for you. This is a great place to be because it helps you grow your blog and in return make more money.

4. Long-form Content

Google loves long form content. Not sure what this means? Basically it is writing long blog posts, like 1200 words + long. Gone are the days of posts less than 300 words. Beef up those blog posts with valuable content. Giving specific details on how or what to do on the topic of your blog post. Not only does this help with your SEO but it plays into the whole getting your readers to fall in love with you! They’re going to love that you tell them how to do the thing you write about rather than just provide them with fluff.

5. SEO with Yoast

If you’re using WordPress for you blog YOU NEED YOAST! This plugin makes SEO easier and understandable. It takes you through it step by step. It gives you tips and flags down errors for you. It’s a game of getting as many green lights as you can! Green means go!

Okay, let’s back up… If you’re not sure what SEO is it stands for search engine optimization. Basically its how you’re found in online search engines. Trust me, it’s something you want to know about. And Yoast makes it so much easier!

6. Engaging Graphics

I have talked A LOT about engaging visuals and I have some great tips and here. (plus 8 free styled stock photos to rock your social media + blog) Graphics are a must for your blog. We understand and remember more information when a visual is alongside it.

7. Guest Posting

Guest posting is a great way to get blog traffic. When you guest post your content is seen by people who are out of your immediate “market”. People you’ve not yet connected with which means it gives you the opportunity to gain more traffic, followers, and subscribers.

You can reach out to blogs you love to see if they are accepting guest posts or you can find guest posting opportunities in Facebook groups like I talked about before! If you’re interested in guest posting about business and blogging strategy I’m currently accepting guest post proposals! Just shoot me an email!

8. Consistency

This is EVERYTHING. In any business you MUST SHOW UP! All the time. You have to show up for your clients, readers, followers. Being consistent helps build trust with your readers. They will know that you’re going to keep showing up and providing valuable content to them.

Now that you have these 8 actionable steps to grow your blog, go implement them…like today…right now! I promise you will see growth!

And, I’d love to hear how these tips work for you! Seriously, I want to hear from you! Post below or fill up my inbox!

Hey there! I'm Abby - a coffee addicted life coach /educator/blogger/mama with a creative soul + passionate heart. My goal is to inspire and encourage passionate women to live a life fulfilled through self-care, a healthy lifestyle, mindfulness, and personal development. Read More…